CitizenM which stands for “citizen mobility” is a hidden gem of a hotel located in the heart of Boston’s transportation and entertainment district. Adjacent to North Station, TD Garden and Hub Hall, this CitizenM Hotel is one of those hotels that are breaking the mold of what a hotel has traditionally been. It goes beyond being a place to simply rest your head but the perfect hotel for an overnight trip, staycation or spending a fun night in the city when catching a Bruins or Celtics game.

Pricing

A one night stay starts around $250, but can set you back as much at $400 for a room on a higher floor with better views including breakfast, all taxes and fees. Pricing may also vary depending on the time of year you are booking your reservation due to a combination of high demand i.e sporting events and concerts in the area at the time and limited supply.

Check-In

Checking into the hotel as well as checking out takes just a minute using the self-service kiosks or free CitizenM app. Guest can download the CitizenM app and use it to control their room, order food & drinks or charge purchases to their room. There is a concierge known as an ‘ambassador’ available at the desk if you need assistance with making a room key cards, which is also needed to access the elevator. Hotel team members are called ‘ambassadors’. They were very friendly and ready to assist us with sightseeing, directions, and local dining recommendations.

Rooms

There are 272 rooms at this Boston location. All rooms are the same size. It’s cozy and perfectly designed for two adults, with one XL bed to share. Everything in the room is controlled via an iPad called “The MoodPad”, including the TV, lights, temperature and scheduling housekeeping. It’s largely intuitive but worth knowing about in case you’re not tech savvy. There are switches throughout the room as well so you can easily control the bedside lamps, room lights, etc. Rooms are fitted with blackout blinds and free Wi-Fi for all your entertainment.

The bathrooms do not have bathtubs however it does have a powerful rain shower. Toiletries like shampoo and hand soap is available in the room. But you will not find any coffee, tea or bottled water. If you need bottled water or snacks I would recommend stocking up at CVS conveniently located across the street.

Lobby / Amenities

The lobby of the hotel is set up as communal living rooms with different types of spaces for working and lounging. The living spaces are furnished with high-end artwork, books on photography architecture, fashion and travel. The founder and CEO of CitizenM Mr Rattan Chadha said the lobby was meant to be styled like the living room of a very well-travelled person.

There is a bar in the middle of the living room which also doubles as a breakfast buffet in the mornings.

You can also enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio and enjoy the breathtaking views of downtown Boston.

CanteenM

The hotel restaurant called CanteenM serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of good quality. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open 24 hours. Breakfast is served from 6 AM to 11 AM for a surcharge of USD 18.95 per person. An all day meal package costs $44.94 and a lunch package is $16.05.

Parking

If you’re visiting from out-of-state, you can easily save money by utilizing the subway rather than renting a car for your stay. If you do decide to use a car, take note you will have to pay for parking as the hotel does not provide parking neither do they validate parking. However, there are numerous parking garage options within a mile of the CitizenM for you to choose from. Be aware parking prices in this busy Boston location can cost you as much at $75 for twelve hours.

Would I recommend this hotel to a friend – Yes 

I am all for hotels that incorporate art, culture and community into its ethos. CitizenM definitely delivered on all three. It easily ranks up there among the best hotels I’ve stayed at in Boston. Recommended for short stays only as the rooms are fairly small but fitted with everything you need. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your room then I would suggest staying at a more traditional hotel.

** There are 13 CitizenM hotels in North America and 17 hotels in Europe.

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